Larry Blundred , Author of Children ’ s Books , Offers Another Must-Read for Pickleball Players of All Ages .
Author Larry Blundred writes children ’ s books , and the last two are written with a theme that incorporates pickleball throughout . Each book communicates the message of love , and appeals to all ages . There is no denying that the sport of pickleball is growing in popularity across America and around the world . The sport is changing lives and Larry ’ s books have incorporated themes of discovering love , acceptance and pickleball .
When you read one of his books , you will quickly identify the theme , “ Love Always Wins .” There is no better way to get this message across than in a book about a growing sport that incorporates this theme throughout its pages .
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The first book is titled “ How Pickleball Saved Ollie Otter ,” and the second is “ Ollie and His Pickleball Friends Return Home .” The first book has become wildly popular , and we expect the second to be as popular . Each addresses overcoming physical and emotional challenges while discovering inspiration and acceptance in the pickleball community . They are stories about discovering love , and pickleball . Quite simply , it ’ s a beautiful message .
The book ’ s characters are inspired by people Blundred has met while playing pickleball across the U . S . Peyton Panda has attention deficit disorder . Sammy Sloth uses a wheelchair . These characters and others overcome challenges to play pickleball and encourage others to join the game . Characters also are named for his daughter , grandson , mother , first granddaughter , youngest son , and his oldest son and daughter-in-law ’ s dog … there is a real personal connection .
Publication of his second book has been delayed until late January / early February by a paper shortage , but it can be pre-ordered at pickleballforever . com . Discounts may be available for purchasing one or both books .
Blundred began playing pickleball and writing about the sport in 2018 while coping with his wife ’ s terminal cancer diagnosis . The couple had written two inspirational books while she battled a brain tumor . Donna Blundred passed away in August 2020 .
Larry takes us to a new level with this simple and powerful story . If you have a child with what the world may call a disability or deficit , you will be reminded how love and compassion are still two of the most powerful words we can express and live out to make a difference .”
— Mitch Dunn , President , Cincinnati Pickleball Club
He wrote the first Ollie Otter book for her .
“ Pickleball was just what I needed physically , mentally , socially and emotionally and I wanted to share that with others ,” Blundred said .
According to USA Pickleball , the number of places to play pickleball has more than doubled since 2010 . There are now nearly 8,000 locations on the organization ’ s Places to Play map . With this in mind , it is clear Blundred is sharing something big .
Author Larry Blundred is a father , grandfather and resident of Cleves , Ohio . He is an active member of the Cincinnati Pickleball Club , Crossroads Church and BLOC Ministries . Blundred is a retired financial advisor and worked in marketing at Skyline Chili and JTM Food Group . He earned a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a master ’ s degree from the University of Illinois- Champaign .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 | MAGAZINE 51